Easy hikes and walks around Plymouth

The Ice Age Trail: Greenbush Segment offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, covering 2.9 miles (4.6 km) with an easy rating and just 277 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You'll wander through a beautiful mix of hardwood and pine forests, with the trail gently rolling over terrain sculpted by ancient glaciers. Expect to see vast kettles, depressions formed by melting ice, giving the landscape a unique, undulating character that feels more rugged than its easy rating suggests.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-blazed and signed, though you should keep an eye out for yellow blazes at junctions. While specific parking for this short section isn't detailed, the wider Greenbush area provides amenities like vault toilets and picnic spots. Autumn is arguably the best time to hike, when the maples transform the forest into a spectacular display of red and gold, making for a truly scenic outing.

This segment is a prime example of Wisconsin's unique glacial geology, showcasing prominent landforms like the Greenbush Kettle, one of the largest along the entire Ice Age Trail. It's part of the larger National Scenic Trail system and connects directly to the Parnell Segment for those looking to extend their adventure. You can also find a side trail leading to the Historic Wade House Museum, adding a touch of local history to your outdoor exploration.

The Ice Age Trail: LaBudde Creek Segment offers a delightful, easy hike through varied landscapes, perfect for a quick nature fix. You'll wander past picturesque views of LaBudde Creek, through restored prairies, and into partially forested areas, spotting tall pines and vibrant wild sumac. It's a fantastic spot for birding and wildlife observation, with a gentle terrain that makes it accessible for most.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available at the trailheads. This 1.3-mile (2.1 km) route, with only 38 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 32 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a short outing. While mostly easy, be prepared for potentially soggy spots in low areas, especially after rain, and watch for slippery ice in winter. The trail is dog-friendly, so bring your leashed companion along.

This segment is part of the larger Ice Age National Scenic Trail, showcasing unique glacial features and landscapes that tell Wisconsin's geological story. It traverses the LaBudde Creek State Fishery Area, adding to its ecological significance. The trail's proximity to Elkhart Lake means you have amenities like dining and lodging nearby, making it a convenient stop for a relaxing walk.

The Greenbush Cemetery Short Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through forested areas within the unique glacial landscape of the Greenbush Recreation Area. You'll wander among dense woodlands, which often include hardwood forests, marshes, and pine stands, all shaped by ancient glaciers that left behind distinct kettles and moraine ridges. This 2.3-mile (3.7 km) route is a perfect way to experience the region's natural beauty without a strenuous effort, making it ideal for a relaxing outing.

Planning your visit to the Greenbush Cemetery Short Loop is simple, as the trail is known for its accessibility and easily-navigable paths. With only 140 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 59 minutes, it's suitable for any fitness level. Parking is conveniently located near the Greenbush Cemetery on Cemetery Lane, providing a clear starting point for your adventure.

This short loop is notable for its manageability and serves as an excellent introduction to the Greenbush Recreation Area's distinct natural environment, which is highly rated by hikers. While other segments of the Ice Age Trail in the area can be quite challenging, this loop offers a gentle alternative. Its name, derived from the Greenbush Cemetery, also connects you to the historical context of the Town of Greenbush.

The Parnell Observation Tower loop offers a delightful journey through Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine State Forest. You'll wander through diverse woodlands of maple, oak, and birch, eventually reaching the impressive 60-foot Parnell Observation Tower. This easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hike, with 218 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 31 minutes. From the tower, you're treated to expansive panoramic views of glacial landscapes and surrounding farmland.

Accessing the Parnell Observation Tower loop requires a state park sticker, and you'll find parking conveniently located at the trailhead on County Highway U. If you're bringing a furry friend, dogs are welcome on the trails if leashed, but remember they can't join you up the observation tower. Consider visiting in the autumn for spectacular fall foliage, though the views from the tower are rewarding year-round.

Beyond the tower, the area is rich in glacial history, with segments of the trail overlapping the significant Ice Age National Trail. Keep an eye out for unique glacial landforms like moulin kames, which are cone-shaped hills formed by ancient meltwater. The tower itself sits at the highest point in Kettle Moraine State Forest, offering views that can extend for 25 miles on a clear day.